The Middle East market is expected to improve on all citrus due to Egypt that is out of the market and the return of  “local residents” from vacation due to the new school year that starts in September.

• Citrus
• Pome
• Grape, Stone & Kiwi Fruit
• India & Bangladesh
• PPECB Statistics

South Africa anticipates that the total 2022 orange season will end earlier,  and total volumes will be less or equal to last year’s volumes. Current sizing seems to be bigger however, growers expect sizing to be smaller for the later Valencias.

The Western Cape is still packing soft citrus; however, volumes are 25% down and this because of the fruit peaking on smaller sizes (size 2-3). South African exports on oranges to Europe have decreased this season compared to last season with navel oranges being down by 8% and Valencias close to 20% due to the uncertainty created by the new cold protocol.

There was a significant decrease of just over 29% Mandarins exported from Argentina to Global markets compared to last season. 

Market update

The Middle East market is not happy with the quality of oranges received from South Africa this season.

There has been an overall decrease in the volume of citrus shipped YTD from South Africa to the Middle East market by the end of week 34 compared to the same period last season. Exported volumes indicate 18% decrease on oranges, lemons are up by 3% and a decrease of 9% in soft citrus.

Update on Kiwi Fruit and a market update in the GCC countries

The Middle East market continues to be under pressure, however there was a slight improvement on price levels for Chilean Kiwi fruit in Saudi Arabia compared to last week. 

Zespri kiwi growers have decided not to expand SunGold Kiwifruit production outside of New Zealand and in the Northern Hemisphere.

It is estimated that Zespri Global supply production, will supply between 21 and 22 million trays of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit this year and based on existing plantings this will  increase to 45.5 million trays by 2029.

India

Pear sales have picked up as the old quality has being sold and limited new stock is arriving. This trend should continue until the end of the SA pear season. Top Red apples from SA are a total disaster as they are cutting black inside. Soft citrus still doing well. Collapse of oranges is imminent with SA dumping the market with too much volumes.

Bangladesh

The Orange market is still selling below cost due to high C&F prices and because of high shipping freight rates. Easy peelers (not Leanri) are doing well. Apple prices are increasing slightly.